MONTREAL - A veterinary clinic in the Plateau was doing its part Sunday to keep the pet population under control.
The Clinique Vétérinaire Plateau Mont Royal offered free spaying and neutering Sunday for about 20 cats belonging to low-income clients.
"There's a lot of people who would be good animal owners, that do not unfortunately have the money to get them spayed or neutered, so I think it's important that veterinarians donate their time for people," said Jade Zollo, a veterinarian who volunteered for the event.
The normal cost to have a cat spayed is $190, and it's $105 to have a cat neutered, and that's a cost not everyone can afford.
"It's truly a gift, because I don't have the means to pay for the procedure," said France Dube, who had her cat Petit Gas neutered Sunday.
The goal is simple, said veterinarian Andrea Bravo.
"(It's) to try to control the population of stray cats in Montreal," she said.
According to SPCA statistics, Montreal alone is dealing with about 50,000 abandoned animals, including cats, dogs and rabbits that are left on the streets.
With the July 1 moving day looming, the number of abandoned animals is expected to rise once again.
Owners are being encouraged to find a new safe home for their pets.
Elizabeth Cummergen, and employee at the veterinary clinic, said the city also plays a role in controlling the problem of animal overpopulation.
Accessible veterinary care could be the key to ending the thousands of unwanted litters and help reduce euthanasia rates in shelters.
"I would love to see subsidization of veterinary services," she said.
